Paddling Long Island and New York City. Kevin Stiegelmaier
of latitude, or parallels, run horizontally across the globe, equally distant from each other. Each parallel, expressed in degrees, is roughly equal to 69 miles, although there is a slight variation because the earth is not a perfect circle but an oval. Nevertheless, the equator is considered 0°, while the North Pole is 90°N and the South Pole is 90°S.
Also expressed in degrees, lines of longitude, or meridians, run vertically on the globe, perpendicular to latitude lines. Instead of being equidistant, however, they converge at the poles. As a result, they are widest at the equator (about 69 miles apart) and become increasingly narrow as they move north or south. The Prime Meridian, in Greenwich, England, is designated as 0° longitude. From this point, the meridians continue east and west, until they meet 180° later at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean.
In this book, latitude–longitude coordinates are expressed in degrees and decimal minutes. For example, the put-in and take-out coordinates for Accabonac Harbor are as follows: N41° 01.115′ W72° 08.738′; N41° 01.115′ W72° 08.738′. These coordinates can also be expressed in degrees, minutes, and seconds. To convert from this format to degrees and decimal minutes, divide the seconds by 60. For more on GPS technology, visit usgs.gov.
Probably the most popular, and useful, USGS maps are their 7.5-minute, or 1:24,000-scale series, known as quadrangles. These “quads” provide a good amount of detail and are quite useful for navigation. For this reason, the quads that include particular sections of the bodies of water being described are listed before each Description.
The USGS maintains hundreds of gauge stations that collect various water data useful to paddlers. Some of these stations take frequent water-temperature readings that can be accessed at waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt. Various private organizations such as fishing clubs, hatcheries, and academic institutions also measure water temperatures. The mean water temperatures are listed by month whenever this data is available.
LAUNCHING ON CUTCHOGUE HARBOR
Here you’ll find the play-by-play details of the paddle route for each of the 50 entries in this book. This information is presented so that you could follow it sentence-by-sentence and have an enjoyable journey. You may want to segue to some of the suggested side trips, and you may want to dally or rush: it’s all up to you, but this section will guide you from the put-in to the take-out.
Specific shuttle directions to each put-in and take-out spot are given from a major road or highway. Other shuttling options, such as trains, buses, and subway systems, are also listed wherever possible.
GENERAL SAFETY
HAZARDS
As with most outdoor sports, kayaking is a fairly safe activity, although it does have its share of inherent risks. As such, paddlers should be prepared to encounter any number of the following hazards on the water.
Tidal currents occur whenever an incoming or outgoing tide squeezes through a narrow opening, creating a restricted flow that speeds up the water’s velocity. These currents often occur near the mouths of tidal creeks but can also be found near inlets and wherever an island obstructs the normal flow of water. Anytime kayakers paddle more than a half-mile or so from the shore, or on unprotected water, they are on what is considered to be open water. This water is easily influenced by wind and waves, and its conditions can change rapidly. Furthermore, because of the distance from shore, rescues are often difficult to accomplish. Many paddling destinations also make excellent powerboating spots and, as such, often see a good deal of boat traffic. This movement of boats most often occurs within marked channels but can also take place within mooring fields and near marinas. Strainers are any kind of tree, branch, or other vegetation that is at least partially submerged in a river. The term strainer refers to the tendency of such obstacles to allow only water to flow through, trapping everything else in their clutches. Deadfalls are similar to strainers but usually block a stream completely and are difficult to get by. There may sometimes be standing waves, or waves that do not change position on a river as water flows past them. Depending on weather and prevailing conditions, a river may sometimes overflow its banks, creating flooding conditions. Rivers can also flow beneath tunnels and bridges, sometimes for long distances. In addition, paddlers may risk hypothermia/hyperthermia and sunburns.
RESCUE AND EVACUATION
As stated previously, kayaking carries certain inherent dangers that may not always be avoided. Although such dangers may be slight and may even lead to a more enjoyable experience, they can make paddling a very risky adventure. In fact, times may arise when a boater ends up in such a dire situation that rescue and evacuation are required. Regardless of experience and skill level, all kayakers should be prepared for such circumstances and know how to react should the need arise.
Fortunately, paddlers have many options for minimizing risks and keeping their minds at ease, one of the most important of which is to carry the proper safety equipment. While some items may change as seasons come and go, some basic gear should always be part of every paddler’s kit. A properly fitting personal flotation device (PFD) is a must, regardless of weather and water conditions. It’s also the law in New York State for paddlers under age 12 or anyone paddling between November 1 and May 1. Appropriate immersion gear should also be worn; a wet suit and dry top may be enough when the water is warm, while a dry suit is highly recommended during cold months.
In addition to a PFD and immersion gear, a paddle float and bilge pump should accompany you on every paddling trip, as should a spare paddle and a noisemaking device such as a whistle or small air horn. I also tuck about 20 feet of parachute cord into the pocket of my PFD and carry a first-aid kit, strobe light, and submersible VHF radio with me anytime I’m on the water. Such items, while not absolutely necessary, are strongly recommended.
A cell phone in a watertight container is also a smart piece of equipment to carry. More-serious outdoorspeople may even choose to carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) or a satellite messenger–GPS tracker. Although these devices cannot be used like a cell phone to call whomever you want, they can be activated to send a distress signal to search-and-rescue groups in the event that help is needed. PLBs and satellite messengers do cost quite a bit of money, though they often are available for rent.
Of course, even the best safety and paddling gear is pointless if you don’t know how to use it. Paddlers interested in increasing their knowledge and bettering their skills might consider taking a kayaking class. Such classes are offered throughout the year by many groups across Long Island (see Appendix B) and are usually sponsored by the American Canoe Association. Check americancanoe.org for more information.
It’s still important to remember that not every body of water is suitable for everyone, even those who are well trained and have a boat packed with safety gear. Paddlers should always keep in mind their abilities and comfort levels when choosing places to kayak. When thinking about paddling a particular bay or harbor, you should consider the length of time needed to complete a trip just as much as the site’s level of difficulty. Weather and tidal influences should also weigh